Slay Defends Slow Beginning to McKee’s NorthSide Project

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) – St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay is sticking up for developer Paul McKee, after recent criticism that McKee is all tax break and no shovel.

“There’s nobody that wants to see things happen sooner than Paul McKee,” Slay said. “But the reality is to make something this great happen, it does take some patience… this project is a big project, it’s a tall order, and it’s not without its challenges.”

In October, McKee received a $390 million tax break package to reshape north St. Louis. His plan was stalled in a court battle for years over tax breaks, but he won his appeals a few months ago.

McKee’s NorthSide Regeneration project calls for revitalizing two square miles of blighted neighborhoods with up to 10,000 new homes and millions of square feet of office and retail space.

He had hoped to start street and sewer work before the end of the year.

McKee did not return our calls seeking an interview about when he plans to break ground on the project.